USA > Iowa > Clayton County > History of Clayton County, Iowa : from the earliest historical times down to the present : including a genealogical and biographical record of many representative families, prepared from data obtained from original sources of information, Volume I > Part 43
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The Monona Leader was first established by that veteran news- paperman, George H. Otis, who is now the pioneer of the Clayton county press, having founded the Elkader Register in 1878. H. S. Rittenhouse, the present editor, has a well equipped office and pub- lishes one of the strong local papers of the state.
The city officers are George H. Otis, mayor ; H. S. Rittenhouse, clerk ; Charles Hupper, Herman Peglow, W. F. Humphrey, W. B. Wiethorn and A. W. Lenth, councilmen. There is a volunteer fire company of which O. F. Bushing is chief. The water works has good pressure from a tower 120 feet high, and was installed at a cost of $18,000. Monona is particularly proud of its schools. There is a fine building worth $15,000, which contains ten rooms. Domestic science, agriculture and manual training are among the branches taught, and nine teachers are employed.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Congregationalism in Monona dates back to the pioneer days of the town. Before the organization of church or society Rev. A. M.
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Eastman served as pastor between the years 1849 and 1852. The Congregational church was organized in February, 1855, D. B. David- son, pastor. In the early history of the church, services were held in school houses. In 1865, during the pastorate of J. R. Upton, lots were secured and steps taken toward the erection of a church building, the dedication took place December 19, 1866. The building committee was P. P. Olmstead, E. Boley and Charles L. McGonigle. Trustees at that time were S. H. Oathout, S. H. Thompson and J. B. Goddard. The church was remodeled and dedicated again January 3, 1904, J. E. Grinnell, pastor. The following have served as pastors of the Monona Congregational church: A. M. Eastman, before organiza- tion, D. B. Davidson, J. R. Upton, J. M. Smith, Palmer Litts, W. S. Potwin, Franklin Elliott, A. A. Young, W. H. Klose, S. T. Beatty, J. E. Grinnell, Burton H. Cheney, W. E. King, G. W. Meek and C. H. Linn the present pastor. The Sunday School, Christian Endeavor and Ladies' Aid Society are organizations connected with the church.
THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Congregation was organized on July 13, 1884. Two weeks later, on July 27, 1884, the first selected minister in full charge, Rev. Fred Zimmermann, delivered his first sermon. In 1885 the congregation has built a church 36x60. This church building was dedicated on the second Sunday in Advent, 1885. In 1886 Rev. Zimmermann accepted a call to a larger congrega- tion at Waverly, Iowa, Rev. J. Graening being his successor. When the latter arrived at Monona on October 29th he found twenty mem- bers of the congregation, nine proprietors and eleven renters. Rev. J. Graening was for nearly nineteen years the highly esteemed minister of this congregation. In 1887 the German school house was built. In 1891 the congregation bought of the late Mr. Christ Taake the present parsonage and adjoining land embracing one whole large city block. In 1889 the parsonage was enlarged at a cost of $650. On July 9th, 1905, Rev. Graening resigned, accepting a call to a congregation at Maxfield, Iowa. On September 27th, 1905, the present Rev. Otto Wappler took charge of the congregation. In 1908, the church was rebuilt and enlarged to 38x80 feet at the cost of $3,200. It was re- dedicated on November 1, 1908. On July 11, 1909, the congregation could celebrate her twenty-fifth anniversary. The present standing of the congregation is eighty-seven members (the Lutherans counting only the heads of the families members). The Ladies' Aid Society has forty-five members. There are enrolled in the Sunday School fifty- two children with five teachers.
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH
The first Methodist services were held in Monona in 1851, in the little frame school house. It was first a part of the Yellow River Mission and then of the Lansing Mission which included thirty-three charges and covered a circuit of many miles. Silas Warner was one of the first Methodist preachers. In 1854 there were seven Methodists
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in Monona, Mr. and Mrs. William Haworth, Mr. and Mrs. John Killen, Mr. and Mrs. Snell and Mrs. Bollers. In 1855 they were joined by Mr. and Mrs. James Stout. The first pastor was Rev. William Newton and he was followed by Rev. Burchard and Rev. Stout. The first church was built in 1867 and dedicated by Rev. William Cobb, in 1868. For many years this was known as Monona Circuit and the clergy had many other charges to visit. The list of pioneer preachers is a long one but contains the names of many of the saints of the church. A parsonage was erected in later years but the old church building was used until the pastorate of Rev. James B. Bird. A handsome brick structure, modern in every way was then erected and the parsonage remodelled, at a cost of $19,000, making the value of church property in the neighborhood of $25,000, all free from debt. The building con- tains a fine auditorium, Sunday school rooms and club rooms with kitchen and dining room. The building was dedicated May 10, 1914, Rev. E. R. Zaring, D. D., of Chicago, delivering the dedicatory address. A history of the Catholic church will be found in the chapter devoted to the Catholic churches of the county.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
Monona Post No. 495, Grand Army of the Republic was commis- sioned by the Department of Iowa, April 8th, 1892. The charter mem- bers were: Harvey S. Curtis, Robert Boyce, William Surring, Daniel J. Dull, Simeon B. Dull, Robert W. Randall, Hiram Booth, Theodore Sherman, Edward F. Sliter, John L. Howorth, William H. Tucker, John Turner, Warren Cassidy, John J. Littler, John Montgomery, Samuel Thibids, William H. Nelings, William Schmitt and William Wellman. The first officers chosen were: Post commander, Theodore Sherman ; senior vice commander, William H. Nelings; junior vice commander, William Wellman; quartermaster, William H. Tucker; surgeon, Hiram Booth; Chaplain, John J. Littler; adjutant, Harvey S. Curtis; sergeant major, William Schmitt; quartermaster sergeant, Simeon B. Dull, officer of the day, Edward F. Sliter; officer of the guard, John L. Howorth. The first regular meeting was held April 16th, 1892, and the first Memorial services were held the following month, in the M. E. church on Sunday, under auspices of J. J. Littler, chaplain. Rev. W. N. Brown delivered the Memorial Day address.
The following have served as commanders of the post: 1892-3, Theodore Sherman; 1894, George H. Otis; 1895, E. F. Sliter ; 1896, William H. Nelings ; 1897, Melvin Davis; 1898, George H. Otis ; 1899, Theodore Sherman; 1900-1, Harvey S. Curtis, 1902-3, William Schmitt; 1904, J. J. Littler ; 1905-6, George H. Otis; 1907-8, Theodore Sherman; 1909, William Schmitt; 1910-11, George H. Otis; 1912-13, Warren Cassidy ; 1914-15-16, George H. Otis. At this date there are only fourteen members left of the thirty-eight enrolled.
In 1915 a Barre-Vermont granite monument was erected in the Monona cemetery at a cost of $2,000. The contemplated improvement of the ground, surrounding the monument, will complete a tribute to the hero dead, highly creditable to the committee in charge and the people of Monona, who have contributed largely for the erection of the
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monument and the improvement of the plat of ground reserved. The committee were George H. Otis, Theodore Sherman and William H. Nelings.
CLAYTON LODGE NO. 70, A. F. & A. M.
Clayton Lodge No. 70, A. F. & A. M., of Monona was instituted March 30th, 1855, by a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa. The charter is dated June 6th, 1856, and the first officers under the dispensation were: W. M., John Northrup ; S. W., William S. Scott; J. W., Moses Treters; treasurer, C. N. Atwood; secretary, Charles Bates; tyler, William Crawford; chaplain, N. N. Soule. The first officers under the charter were: W. M., John Northrup; S. W., William S. Scott ; J. W., Charles A. Dean; treasurer, P. B. Mason ; secretary, T. R. Comstock ; S. D., B. H. Olmstead; J. D., E. H. Fowler ; tyler, S. M. Wilford; chaplain, Rev. James Scott.
In 1882 the roll of membership numbered 166. The deceased members are: LeGrand Olmsted, Horace Emery, Oliver R. Hastings, C. R. Atwood, Bradley Olmsted, Thomas Glass, P. B. Mason, A. H. Doe, Homer E. Smith, Finley Egbert, J. R. Bywater, Gordon H. Gile, Ira P. Winters, E. C. Koontz, A. M. Cortis, J. S. Watkins, J. D. Smith, Albert E. Elmore, E. L. Ernest, J. W. Thomas, J. A. Wingate, J. R. Milliman, C. A. Dean, Thomas Cummings, Thad S. Egberth, John Tapper, J. K. Gile, John Dizon, J. R. Gustisen, L. L. Renshaw, Frank L. Sherman, William Wellman, Nathaniel Nichols, Silas Scott, Silas Egbert, H. B. McNeil, William S. Scott. The officers of the year 1916 are: W. M., Henry Hupfer; secretary, George H. Otis. The lodge at present is in a prosperous condition and is gradually growing in numbers.
EASTERN STAR
This organization, which is an auxiliary to the Masonic fraternity, was granted a charter from the parent state order, October 26, 1899. There were twenty-three charter members, with the following list of officers duly installed : W. M., Abbie Slitor ; W. P., Ed F. Slitor ; A. M., Sarah Nelings ; secretary, Mary Bywater ; treasurer, Lizzie Killen. There are now fifty-seven members, and the lodge is in fine working order. For the year 1916 the following officers were elected: W. M., Ederyna Perry; W. P., Dr. George Tapper; A. M., Anna Tapper ; sec- retary, Ella Gertisan; treasurer, Josephine Haefer.
ODD FELLOWS
Northern Light Lodge No. 156 was chartered October 17, 1867, and was instituted November 5, 1867, by Orlando McCraney, of McGregor. The charter members were: L. G. Ireland, E. L. Rice, W. H. Murphy, Jonas De Graw and A. A. Fonda. These members had first joined Itasca Lodge No. 111, at McGregor and then with- drew to form the new lodge. By May, 1873, the lodge had thirty- three members and a balance of $250 in the treasury. A lot and building were bought, just west of the present Citizens State Bank. In 1879 the property was enlarged and improved and it was clear of
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debt. In 1884 the lodge bought four acres of farm land and prepared it for cemetery purposes. Lots were sold to any who wished and for many years the Odd Fellows controlled the city cemetery, beautifying it with trees, flowers, walks and drives. On November 16, 1884, the lodge property was destroyed by fire and in 1887 it was decided to rebuild. This was done in conjunction with C. A. Dean and a fine two-story structure was built. In 1896 the lodge purchased Mr. Dean's interest, in 1902 a brick and brick veneered addition was built at a cost of $4,400, making the property 73x78 feet. The lodge hall is in the second story and is equipped with dining room, kitchen and ante rooms. It is used by other organizations and is one of the social centers of the town. The lodge is in fine financial condition, with no debt, property upon which the taxes are $151, and having paid several thousands of dollars in sick benefits and special relief. It has fifty-five members and has lost but one member for non-payment of dues in the past six years. The executive officers for 1916 are: J. W. Moyer, N. G., and E. L. Rice, secretary.
MONONA CAMP, NO. 4331, MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA
Organized November 7, 1896, by J. A. Sturtevant. The first offi- cers were: Dr. J. E. Robertson, Consul ; John Woodmansee, Adviser ; F. L. Eaton, Banker ; Harry C. Fox, Clerk ; L. A. Walch, Escort; Joe Keleher, Sentry; John Schmitt, Watchman. Managers: Wm. H. Hanson, John Kielty and John Schmitt. Number of deaths since organization, 13. Present officers are J. A. Maiers, Consul; Harry C. Fox, Clerk. Present membership 104. Meeting nights first and third Wednesday of each month. Amount paid in death benefits since or- ganization $25,000.00.
MONONA LODGE, NO. 211, MODERN BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA
Organized January 25th, 1898, with a charter membership of 19. The first officers were: J. Q. Rupp, President ; C. E. Witt, Vice Presi- dent; F. H. Howard, Treasurer; F. W. Lange, Secretary; Andrew Kean, Chaplain; Geo. Egbert, Conductor; L. H. Kurdelmeier, Watch- man; Herman Hensel, Sentry. Directors: John Schroeder, Ed Oliver and E. F. Slitor. Number of deaths since organization, seven. Present officers are: J. Q. Rupp, President; F. J. Steele, Secretary and Treasurer. Present membership, 51.
MONONA HOMESTEAD, NO. 395, BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN
Organized November 2, 1899, with eighteen charter members. The first officers were: L. A. Wellman, Foreman; C. D. McGoon, Correspondent ; Geo. Graham, Master of Ceremonies; E. R. Collins, Overseer; Dr. M. D. Brown, Master of Accounts; G. J. McGoon, Physician ; H. L. Michelson, Sentinel; M. Wiedenmann, Guard; Geo. Wagner, Watchman; Mrs. R. L. M. Collins, Lady Rowena; Mrs. Estella Graham, Lady Rebecca. Number of deaths since organization, seven. Present officers are: J. A. Maiers, Foreman; W. F.
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Humphrey, Correspondent and Master of Accounts. Present mem- bership 61. Meeting nights second Tuesday of each month.
McGREGOR
McGregor, with a population of about 1,500, is located on the line of the great C., M. & St. P. Ry. It has a complete system of water works, has one of the best equipped and most successful electric light- ing plants in the state, and a telephone system that reaches far into the country. It has one of the finest opera houses of its size in the state, and a hotel which will be completed and opened to the public by January first, which would be an ornament to any city in the state. It has excellent schools, churches of nearly every denomination, and the best of society prevails.
In fact it is a city of home enterprise, and is full of wide-awake business men. The town has never been cursed with booms or boom- ers, and every step forward in its commercial, social and municipal affairs but mark its substantial growth, development and advancement. It is a busy bustling city, sustained by enterprises which give it a metropolitan air, and the actual advancement of the city has just be- gun. The sentiment of advancement has taken possession of the people-and it is commented upon by everyone who visits the town. The present city officers are: Mayor W. F. Daubenberger; Council- men J. D. Pickel, A. Clemens, M. X. Geske, John Kramer and James Mclaughlin ; Clerk L. N. Kramer.
The city contains two banks, four churches, a weekly newspaper, The North Iowa Times, bottling works, creamery, book binding estab- lishment, wholesale drug concern, two garages, excellent hotels, one of the largest grain firms in the state, Gilchrist & Co., while as a market for hogs Henry Reeves handles more than any other firm in Iowa. Dry goods, clothing, shoes and groceries are all exclusive lines and there are amusement places, photographers, bakery, laundry, etc. J. A. Walter is chief of the very effective volunteer fire department. A water works system owned by the city is valued at $25,000. The sanitary sewer system and 25,000 yards of brick paving have cost the city $60,000, the school property is valued at $40,000 and 500 pupils are enrolled in the schools, which are of the highest standard. Buel park, in the heart of the city, is one of the prettiest in northeastern Iowa. An artesian well 1,500 feet deep furnishes an abundance of the purest water and the McGregor electric light and power company furnishes continuous day and night service.
McGregor suffered greatly, and for many years, from the ex- travagances of its father, but the plucky little city kept on paying its debts and making improvements until by 1914 it was able to declare that its total indebtedness was but $5,500. With this excellent condi- tion of its finances, the city under the leadership of Mayor Daubenberger determined upon extensive improvements. The sewer system was modernized and extended at large expense and a contract let for the pavement of the Main street with vitrified brick. This im- provement was retarded by the flood of 1916, but was pushed as rapidly as possible and McGregor can now boast of the only paved street in the county. Not only will this be a great advantage to the
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business section but it is believed that these improvements will greatly lessen the danger of floods. The business portion of McGregor is all of substantial brick and there are many handsome residences nestled in the coulee and snuggled against the sides of the majestic bluffs. With its natural advantages, as the most scenic spot in all Iowa, with the trade of the great river which is certain at some future date to again rise to importance; with the large improvements under way at North McGregor, which will mean permanent addition of a consider- able sum to the payroll of the Milwaukee railroad and added residents, there is no question but that the future of these twin cities is full of hope and that while the extravagant dreams of the 6os may not be fulfilled there is the basis for permanent prosperity and growth and that the two McGregors may yet become the metropolis of north- eastern Iowa.
The schools are in charge of Thos. R. Roberts, superintendent, and a corps of twelve teachers. There is a domestic science depart- ment with electrical equipment and a manual training department and is an accredited school. F. G. Bell is president of the board and A. J. Widman is secretary.
Among the churches and lodges are the following:
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Was organized January 2, 1857, with seven charter members, Rev. O. Emerson, moderator, and Robert Grant, scribe. Rev. Joseph Bloomer, coming October, 1857, was the first pastor and he remained until his death. Succeeding pastors were Rev. T. A. Wadsworth, 1859; Rev. H. G. McArthur, 1859-60; Rev. S. P. Sloane, 1860-70; Rev. D. R. Macnab, 1871-72; Rev. Milliken, 1873-74; Rev. C. C. Cragin, 1875-83; Rev. J. E. Bissell, 1883-87; Rev. C. A. Marshall, 1887-1900, serving thirteen years; Rev. G. A. Francis, 1901-07; Rev. Mann, 1907-09; Rev. S. T. Kidder, 1909-10; Rev. Alex. E. Cutler, 1910, to date. The first church was erected in 1859, was a brick build- ing, and while greatly enlarged and improved is still used. A fine pipe organ was added during the pastorate of Rev. C. C. Cragin and in 1886 extensive repairs and improvements were made to the church. Under Rev. G. A. Francis, a tower was added to the church. The com- modious parsonage was the gift of Mrs. J. N. Gilchrist. Church socie- ties are the Sunday School, Ladies' Industrial Society, Missionary Society and Christian Endeavor. The church is in excellent condition, the membership being 222, thirty-one having been added during the present year.
METHODIST CHURCH
In January, 1852, Rev. Elisha Warner, of Prairie du Chien, preached the first Methodist sermon in McGregor. The service was held in the carpenter shop of J. M. Burbridge. Rev. J. L. Kelley was the first regular pastor and J. M. Burbridge was the superin- tendent of the first Sunday School. Succeeding pastors were Revs. A. Bishop, J. R. Cameron, John Webb, F. C. Mather, Wm. McCormac, (assistant) Rev. J. D. Havens, under whose charge the first frame church was built; W. H. Keith, C. W. Babcock, during whos pas-
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torate the parsonage was built; S. M. Brunson, Isaac Newton, J. K. Fuller, F. C. Wolfe, L. Pancoast, C. N. Stearns, P. E. Brown, who began the erection of the present church, services being held in the new basement, in 1869; W. H. Sparling, Wm. Fawcett, 1872-73, dur- ing whose pastorate the new church was dedicated; L. H. Carhart and S. W. Heald, at which time the church debt was liquidated.
Other pastors were Revs. J. W. Clinton, 1877-79; J. B. Casebur, 1879-82; J. A. Keer, 1882-83; H. S. Church, 1883-84; D. W. Marby, 1884-87; N. Pye, 1887-88; R. F. Hurlblut, 1888-89; Wm. Lease, 1890- 92; W. W. Carlton, 1892-93; L. L. Lockard, 1893-96, during whose pastorate a parsonage costing $2,500 was built; J. W. McCord, 1896- 97; S. R. Ferguson, 1897-99; M. H. Smith, 1899-01 ; D. C. Dutton, 1901-04; V. E. Hall, 1904-07; H. Williams, 1907-08; H. F. Wyatt, 1908-10; C. C. Lusk, 1910-14; T. M. Neilson, 1910-15; C. A. Peddicord, 1915, to date.
Under Rev. Dutton, extensive improvements were made to the interior of the church and a pipe organ was added, all of which have been nearly paid for. The church is in a flourishing condition, and the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Peddicord, is popular with his people. He has taken a great interest in
THE BOY SCOUTS OF MCGREGOR
The boy scout patrol at McGregor is part of the international organization. Formerly there was a council of the boy scouts at Mc- Gregor, but the work languished until Rev. C. A. Peddicord agreed to act as scout master. He has taken great interest in the work and there is now an active patrol of eight members. An effort is being made to bring this patrol to such a degree of perfection that other boys will be anxious to join and secure the benefits of this order.
FIRST CHURCH OF SCIENTISTS
Was organized on the tenth day of May, 1892, by Mrs. Elizabeth Webster, of Chicago, Ill. The articles of incorporation were drawn by Mr. A. Chapin, of McGregor, Iowa. The charter members were: L. C. Farnum, Jennie A. Farnum, Emma F. Farnum, E. Hoxsie, Mrs: E. Hoxsie, C. C. Standert, Sarah Standert, A. F. Hofer, Mrs. M. Hofer, Robert Lindsay, Sarah E. Lindsay, Edith B. Lindsay, Belle Halverson, Mrs. Jennie Mason, G. S. Douglass, Julia Douglass, H. H. Reynolds, Nelda Reynolds, William Ulrich, Matilda Ulrich and William Scharff. They have recently secured a lot for a church and also the plans for same, on which they intend building next spring, at a cost of about $4,000. At present services are held in the Barron Block. The attendance is good at present but many more are expected when the church is built.
THE EASTERN STAR
Bluff City Chapter No. 268 was instituted by Worthy Grand Matron Mary E. Rathburn, on the seventh day of December, 1899. The first officers: Worthy matron, Phoebe J. Jones; worthy
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patron, Albert Clemens ; associate matron, Louise Fette; conductress, Edith Goddard; associate conductress, Emma Gilman; secretary, Georgia M. Elweel; treasurer, Emma Dornbach; Adah, Anne Scott; Ruth, Ruth Webb; Esther, Nellie Olson; Martha, Eva R. Jordan; Electa, Anna Fairfield; warder, Augusta Billings; sentinel, Lyman Bass; chaplain, Ida Townsend; marshal, Amy Williams; organist, Mabel K. Bliss.
The meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of every month in the Masonic hall. Since its organization there have been initiated into this chapter, 136 members, and now Bluff City Chapter is one of the most prosperous and popular fraternal organizations in the county. Deceased members are : Lyman Bass, Fannie Huntting, Mary Plumb, and Mary Hagensick. The present membership is about 100, and Ella B. Richards is the worthy matron.
MASONIC ORDER
Bezer Lodge No. 135 A. F. & A. M. was organized February 23, 1857. Charter members were: G. L. Bass, M. J. Brown, John Cham- bers, George S. C. Scott, Samuel S. Janes, George W. T. Harding and Robert Grant. The oldest living member is Samuel J. Peterson who joined the lodge July 16, 1860. The membership is over one hundred and meetings are held the first Monday of every month. F. G. Huebsch is the worthy master and W. L. Eichendorf, secretary.
AUTO TRAILS ASSOCIATION
The McGregor Auto Trails Association was organized April 20, 1916, with thirty-four charter members. The purpose is to mark, blaze and organize automobile trails into McGregor and to keep them in repair so far as possible. The association has already been of much benefit to the community and to motorists. F. L. Kinsley is president and W. L. Eichendorf, secretary.
THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY NATIONAL PARK ASSOCIATION OF MCGREGOR
This organization has for its purpose the promotion of the project for United States to secure the beautiful and historic tract south of McGregor as a national park. Many prominent citizens of Iowa are active members of this organization and the effort to secure this action on the part of the government is not confined to Clayton county but is state wide. L. H. Beam is secretary of the association and the execu- tive committee consists of J. M. Berry, F. C. Gilmore, North McGregor, A. Huebsch, F. S. Richards, John Kramer, Robert Quigley and M. X. Geske of McGregor. J. M. Berry is chairman of the publicity com- mittee under whose direction a handsome folder, descriptive of the proposed park, has been issued. The project has received favorable comment in the press from coast to coast and has an earnest advocate in the person of Senator W. S. Kenyon of Iowa.
Other McGregor organizations are the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, Modern Woodmen of America, Woodmen of the World, Foresters and the Ladies Tourist Club.
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